K thoughts

Confession

2009-03-21T01:35:00.002-07:00

I really love Jesus.
I don't have it all figured out yet.
I don't have all the answers.
I am still learning.
And I really love Jesus.

Life worthy of the Gospel

2009-03-17T15:11:00.002-07:00

So we are doing RAW right now (ready and willing) a social justice conference for youth that we run every year out of the War College and last night I was completely challenged by what was taught.
The guest speaker isn't a Salvation Army guy, but lives in a Christian Community in the DTES alongside us.
Two phrases that stuck out to me and jolted my system were:
"If you have more than you need you have what belongs to someone else".
We try to adhere to the "simplicity" lifestyle, but it always grips me when you think of the reality that people are actually starving to death, dying from curable diseases and it IS correlational to how we are living in the West.
The other (perhaps more controversial)was:
"When they come for the poor, if they don't have to step over your bloody broken body, a curse on you and your religion"...
I think that one sent our whole leadership team into tears.
Are we doing all we can to protect and defend those that are being abused, starved, discriminated against, violated, stolen from...fill in the blanks.
This IS uncomfortable. If reading all that Jesus wrote and instructed ISN'T making you uncomfortable, you are probably reading Him wrong.
It's a high calling. No doubt.
I humbly confess that I am horrible at this.
I like things. I like being with people that smell nice.
I like living in a nice, neat, comfortable world.
But that's not the life worthy of the gospel. As much as that may suck to hear for me or anyone.
Let the name of the Lord be praised.

Lord, we need your mercy, grace and strength.
Help us, please.

I love 614 Vancouver

2009-01-26T14:43:00.002-08:00

So...I don't know if anyone will even be checking this blog, since I haven't written in it for ages, but I just wanted to say that -
"I love 614 Vancouver!"

I am so blessed to be living in a community where there is such great community, so much fruit, great leaders, inspiring teaching, people who love the LORD and love their neighbours as themselves.

Last week three people got saved, there's like a dozen people being trained to be soldiers, we had an enrollment this week, new people are coming and being such an encouragement, cells are doing great, and we've survived ups and downs and it has made us stronger.

How good and pleasant it is when we dwell together in UNITY!

I really believe that this year at 614 we will see a lot of fruit from our labour, and obviously thanks to the GRACE of God. Trust me, we've all been humbled enough to know it's only by his grace!
Much love to my brothers and sisters, and to my esteemed leaders.

Grace and love,

Kirsten

2008-02-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

I'm just really sad today.
Being honest...

Life Update

2008-02-08T02:34:00.000-08:00

So I think facebook killed my blog, but for those who aren't facebookers, I will write an update!
Life is good (more or less). God is good - and that remains, when all else fails, He remains strong. Never-changing. Hallelujah.
I moved into a new place at the beginning of January and live with two wonderful young ladies who are a blessing to my life. We're in a co-op housing unit in the Downtown Eastside, and it's really working out well for us. Community is great.
I got a new job working in a female shelter, Belkin House, for the Salvation Army. I haven't been working for too long, but I love it. The women bring joy into my life, and I am learning so much about resources and other aids. It also gives me lots of time to pray, which is a huge gift.
God is good and is speaking. He's been teaching me to truly bless others and pray good things for their lives, regardless of what they think of me. It's about His Kingdom, not mine. Ha! How silly. It's so easy to bless and love those who love you back. Don't get me wrong, it's still wonderful and rich, but it's just a lot harder to bless those who don't reciprocate the love. You feel me?
The LORD is restoring my zeal for His word, which has been a long time coming, so Praise God for that. I also feel like God has been showing me a lot of my selfishness, and pride, BUT He has also been encouraging me with hope. Rather than getting down and feeling horrible, I see where God is taking me FROM and bringing me TO. I'm trying to stay humble, laying at His feet. "My Deliverer is coming, my Deliverer is standing by". So Glory to Him. His love endureth forever. Amen.

Awake, and sing

2007-12-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

The LORD is gracious and compassionate.
Hallelujah.
It is good to be alive and well - happy, saved and free. Amen.
Just got back from two weeks in New Jersey, New York City and Harlem.
I was in a car accident today, but other than that I am healthy and extremely happy to see Rochelle and John as they are fresh from Zimbabwe here with us for the holidays.
...
I've noticed that Paul often starts his letters with a greeting and blessing of peace and grace to people. I stopped and thought about that. Many people in many walks of life are going through a spectrum of circumstances, but a true, deep blessing of peace and grace would be rich for anyone.
What if we greeted each other with grace and peace? What if we prayed that, blessed that, LIVED that out with each person we came in contact with.
We are so grace deprived!
In our community we always say "grace" when we leave each other, but often times it can lose its meaning.
We can become subject to trying to live without the need for grace. Ha! As if...
The LORD is gracious and compassionate.
We are ALL in need of the LORD. Bless me, Father, for trying to prove to you, to myself, to the world that if I try really hard, I won't need your grace.
I need it. I need your mercy, your love that is endless, your compassion, your strength.
I need you. The more I know you, the more I know that I need you. And I feel bad asking for more, yet I know, as you look at your children, it is with great joy that you pour it over us.
Cure me, cure us, rid us from this "Messiah Complex" that can bring death, haughtiness and decay.
Fill us with love, mercy, grace, and your peace. Let that emanate from us. Let it pour out, reach out to the lost, the broken, the lonely.
I run into your arms and lean fully. I find my solace there.

2007-12-11T22:41:00.001-08:00

My laptop and desktop computer died - thus the desert in the blogs...

I've been going through a hard time lately. Thought things would get better, but still working on them. Hey, that's life.

Your prayers would be deeply appreciated.

Much grace,
Kirsten

Blog for Joel

2007-11-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

Joel (big bro) used to work at Starbucks and in his blogs would always write out the drinks that he had each day. I really loved reading them, because it was really funny, as well as it's a detail of someones life that is hardly ever written about. So Joel, this is for you.
These are the most common drinks that I PERSONALLY would order

1)Grande, Sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, easy-water, extra foamy, earl grey tea misto
2) Triple tall half full americano with two pumps white mocha and an inch of non-fat foam, topped off with whole milk (that's my basic one)
3) Iced, triple grande, 4 pump sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, easy ice, caramel machiatto.
4) Grande soy no water tazo chai latte
5) Double tall non fat, not whip, exta foamy mocha
6) Quad tall, with room americano (that's the easiest one)

Do you still jive on Starbuck-Speak?

Morning has broken

2007-10-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Things are good for me. For the first time in a while I can say that.
Worship at Kneedrill was so rich and sweet.
Holy Spirit was moving, loving, teaching, guiding, sharing, breaking - it was all very beautiful.
Like the dawn breaking through the night, the LORD has revealed Himself, yet again, and restored hope. As in Isaiah, He was given me garments of praise for a spirit of heaviness. So I rejoice. I am encouraged. The LORD has put a new song in my mouth - a song of praise and thanksgiving. Glory to God.

Dan White: age 25

2007-10-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Dan is one of my closest most dearest friends. He never fails to inspire me and spur me on to be a greater person. Dan is steadfast in his devotion and growing deep roots as his branches stretch out far.
His love is huge.
He is one of the few that I can honestly say "his life is a prayer".
Dan finds meaning is almost EVERYTHING. It's quite funny.
I was on the phone with him and he mentioned in passing that on his screen saver he has a picture of clay jars to remind him that he is just an earthly vessel. I don't know why but it made me laugh...for a very long time. Bless his soul.
DAN - all the best. May His grace abound in your life.
Much love (felios).
Kir xox

2007-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

I love my mom.

Going PRO

2007-10-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!
For the last few weeks I've had some of my photos mounted up in the Starbucks location where I work, and I sold one today!
Wooohoo!!
Feels great and totally made my day.

:o)

Yokes

2007-10-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I know... I haven't written in ages. There is a LOT to write about.
But one thing at a time.
Yokes
I was talking to my good friend Olivia Munn the other day as Jesus was talking to me. I usually figure things out while I am talking to others. I like it and it's great when they do to.
So yokes.
It seems to be that the majority of people in churches (or entire churches) are viewed as either "burnt out" or "asleep". I have been trying to think of examples to prove me wrong, and I am sure that some do exist, but I am at a loss, which, at the moment, sort of confirms this notion.
I was wondering why that is. Why we, as a human race, do such a poor job at balance.
I think that there are many reasons, and it is complex and multi-faceted, but one thing that I think is definately affecting us is our yoke.
The infamous scripture that we always quote when consoling over-worked, tired, burn-out Christians, is the "take my yoke upon you...my yoke is easy and my burden is light" etc. But are we? Really? Do we do that? Do we know what that looks like?
I personally believe (miss teen USA North Carolina? just kidding), but I personally believe that we often wear these yokes that aren't Jesus'. Sometimes we put them on as our "ideal self", or sometimes they are what we think that people expect of us, or sometimes they are so rooted in self-pleasing. But, if we are walking with Jesus' yoke, and walking in full obedience, then would we really get so tired? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, could we really be "asleep at the wheel"?
Just throwing it out there.
Is God's voice the loudest voice in your life?
Think about it.
Weigh it. Pray it.

PS - I had a great Thanksgiving with the fam in Toronto. Surprise visit. Love it.

The BOURNE Ultimatum

2007-09-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

AWESOME
Go see it.

Abolish Slavery

2007-09-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

Let's stop Human Trafficking.
Please watch this.

After watching it, I suggest you pray through Psalm 140 on their behalf.
Be challenged by it. I know I am.

Let Everything that has breath - Praise the LORD!

2007-09-05T15:55:00.001-07:00

I've been in the War Room everyday, and now that we have internet, I am able to find worship songs, prayers, bible commentaries, and many other helpful tools if the Spirit so leads.
This is a long that ALWAYS, without fail, stirs me up to praise the LORD. It also makes me really really miss singing in a gospel choir. But I'm fine with that :)
Enjoy, and praise the LORD.

Steve Court - if you are reading, I know you'll enjoy this tune, mate.
I started a gospel choir in the DTES...it didn't sound exactly like this one.

From the War Room

2007-09-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

As I am seeking direction for my life I have dedicated to be in the War Room (24/7 Prayer room for intercession) every day. The LORD is speaking. I am trying not to just wait on him for direction, but my hope is that as I draw nearer to Him and the more I am with Him I will just know His heart. Anyway...here's some stuff that came out today.

LORD,
Hear my cry
I wait for You
I long for you
For You

Still my heart
Let me sit and gaze

Let all fears melt like wax
In your presence
At Your feet

Just one touch
Just one look
Just one word
…and I am undone

Oh, that I would feel
And see
And listen

Abba, Father
Rabbi - teacher
El Shaddai – The God who is sufficient for the needs of His people
Jehovah Tsidkenu – the LORD who is my righteousness
Jehovah Sabaoth – the LORD of all the hosts of heaven

I love you, I love you,
I love you
I love you, I love you
I am utterly love sick

"Awake, my soul, and sing
Of him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity."

Tony Campolo

2007-08-31T09:47:00.001-07:00

Check this out.
This is from the show the HOUR. Not a Christian show by any means, but this interview is really interesting.

My Faculty Address ...(some words did get out)

2007-08-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Today I gave a faculty address to this year's session of the War College.
I think I got two words out before bursting into tears.
"The LORD loves you with an Everlasting Love".
I was a wreck. I just kept telling them how deep the LORD loves them.
Oh man... thanks to all of you who put up with that!
I was just trying to share the Father's heart. I'm a feeler, not a speaker!
My other two points were
2)To sift through everything and really take in what the LORD had to say this year. Have eyes to see and ears to hear Him. And...
3)Live by Micah 6:7 - Work for justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
Lots of tears. Revolution Session - know that you are loved by God and by me too :)

With all of this debriefing going on it really points out something that I've said many times, and it is something I try my best to live by - whenever you get a chance, talk GOOD about someone behind their back. It really builds up community and the body of Christ.
Weigh it up. Pray it up.

OOB and then some

2007-08-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

So much has happened!
Okay, I was doing some pier ministry at Old Orchard Beach in Maine - really really good times there.
The LORD was faithful.
We did "Spiritual Readings" on the beach, and there was such a diversity of people coming in. Some Christians needing some reinforcement prayers, some people who thought we were psychics.
So for those out there who don't know what the heck I am talking about, Spiritual Readings is something we do, people come in and we say something like "We are students of the LORD, and we believe that Jesus knows everything about everyone, so we are practicing to hear the voice of God and we believe He wants to speak to you, so can we practice on you?" then we'd listen and share a word, or vision, or scripture that God gave to us. Basically listening prayer.
Dude, God was so powerful and so specific. I know I teach this at the War College, but I was honestly so surprised at just how specific the visions we had were. People were like - you just told me to the tee what I did this morning, or you've confirmed things that I've been waiting years for.
Anyway - I was so excited about more pumped up about doing prophetic evangelism to come home and find out that my extreme prophetic class (ExPRO) has been cancelled from War College this year :( So bummed...
I've been in a period where I am trying to figure out what's important in my life.
Doug Burr taught a class once and said that you will be energized when you are working in your giftings. I am trying to sift through what the Holy Spirit has been showing and teaching me these last two years. I am pressing on and looking toward the goal. Hallelujah.
There's more to come...
Much love,

Restful Summer?

2007-07-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

I think I need a holiday. Will I get one? Probably not. But that's okay.
I remember saying that this summer was to relax and have fun... It's been intense.

Work is good - busy, and hot, but good. I am trying to save up, so I've been working some extra hours.
One of my friend's might have died. We don't know if it's her. Kind of freaking me out a bit. I've known people to have died before, but this just feels different.
I don't know how to pray.
I wasn't super close to this person, but it gives me a glimpse (a very small glimpse) into what it would be like to have someone you love be taken away. And worse - someone that you love, who does not know the LORD. I've never been angry at God before, but today was the first day that I could understand the inclination. Just a glimpse, of course. I am in no way trying to say "I know what it feels like"...I hope you hear my heart.
Anyway...
I am praying for Zimbabwe. Praying for Annie. Praying for the salvation of my friends at work. Praying that I trust in the LORD. Loving Him. Trying to do all I can to love what He loves.
Thanks for you grace with me.

My life

2007-06-30T23:38:00.000-07:00

Things have been good. Trying to relax a bit this weekend. Which is always nice. Today I tackled my email. I had 136 unread emails - I went through them all.
I went to Bard on the Beach - which is Shakespeare in the park - but on the beach :)
Good times.
On the spiritual side of things - The LORD continues to teach me and show me His Kingdom. Hallelujah.
I find myself wanting more humility and faith.
I've been having some very strange dreams lately, which have been teaching me the fear of the LORD.
Lots on the go...
No real witty ending to this. Just a quick update :)
Grace

Flight Of The Conchords - The Humans Are Dead

2007-06-21T15:22:00.001-07:00

This is the funniest thing I've seen in a while.
hahaha

Praise in the Pain

2007-06-11T21:43:00.001-07:00

Wow. I feel like I am just on the brink, the border, of a deep revelation from the LORD. I had the privilege of hearing Rev. Alex Gee from Fountain of Life church, speak this Sunday here in Montreal. I can't shake the message that He spoke forth.
Something that he spoke about was the power of testimony. Often times in our lives God delievers us from things that we've been through and He heals the wounds but we are left with the scars. Just as Jesus did, He showed others His scars (Thomas etc.) as a word of testimony as to what the Spirit of GOD has done.
Often we want to completely forget the past - and granted, a lot of it we can and should move on from, but let us not loose our testimony! Let us glory in the LORD and in His power.
My confession - I am a broken person. But I am not alone! And I don't think anyone can really praise the LORD like broken people can. I want to be real and share my life with my family - the Body of Christ. I want to testify to what the LORD is doing in my life. Even when it hurts, even when I have NO idea when the silver lining is going to show, I WILL rise up and give praise to the ALMIGHTY, not because He WILL rescue me eventually, but because He is GOD and He is worthy of praise. Hallelujah. I will testify to the character of GOD. I will praise Him in ALL circumstances.
Glory to YHWH, my Redeemer and Friend.

Hello from Montreal

2007-06-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well I am here in Montreal for my friend, Achlai Ernest's wedding this weekend. Really looking forward to that.
Oh man, it's so weird being back here. It's been over two years now since returning. Small things that I forgot about and didn't realize I missed them until I returned:
The buildings - the are gorgeous! I forgot how much I love the architecture here.
Pountine - okay, totally forgot about that. Awesome! Had some tonight. Ooo la la
The art scene - incredible. I love all the art shops, and the buskers, all the museums, the photographers. Oh man...that's going to be SO HARD TO LEAVE.
Multiculturalism is DEFINATELY number one on the list. Honestly, in Vancouver I think I have one black friend and his name is Chain Man. I miss my peeps :( Just the exposure to different cultures here too.
I was helping set up the wedding today and this lady only spoke Creole and there was another person who only spoke english, so I had to translate. It was quite amusing. I really miss speaking in french with people too. Every time someone bumped into me and said "Pardon", (french for "excuse me") I smiled. I miss that.
Ahhhh. Nestalgia.
Anyway - It's great being here. I think it's my first time to NOT do anything since... I can't even remember!
Had a good time with the LORD today. In prayer, in worship and in the WORD. Read and prayed up Amos 1-4. Heavy stuff. Woah.
Much love, and will try really hard to write more frequently. Grace!